Bobby Deol Joins Delhi Ramlila, To Perform Ravana Dahan At Red Fort This Dussehra

Delhi’s grand Ramlila is set to shine brighter this Dussehra as Bollywood star Bobby Deol joins the celebrations. According to a report in Hindustan Times, the actor has been invited by the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee

toperform te symbolic burning of Ravana’s effigy at the historic Red Fort grounds on October 2.

Bobby Deol’s message to fans

In a video shared with organisers, Bobby expressed his excitement about being part of the annual tradition. In his trademark baritone, he said, “Dilli ki Ramlila mein iss baar mai aa raha hai… Toh milte hain Dussehra par.” His presence is expected to draw massive crowds, with lakhs of people usually gathering at the iconic event.

Organisers on Bobby’s participation

Arjun Kumar, president of the Luv Kush Ramlila Committee, said Bobby’s involvement will add star power to the festivities. “Bobby Deol’s participation is expected to make this Dussehra even more spectacular and memorable,” he said.

A tradition of grandeur

The Luv Kush Ramlila at Red Fort is among the most iconic in the country, blending mythology with modern spectacle and drawing audiences from across Delhi and beyond. With Bobby Deol as the star guest this year, organisers believe the symbolic slaying of Ravana will carry an added dose of cinematic flair.

Poonam Pandey as Mandodari

Poonam Pandey has been in the news after her casting as Mandodari, wife of Ravana, in the iconic Lav Kush Ramlila staged at Delhi’s Red Fort. Her selection sparked controversy, with political and religious groups, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), raising objections. Despite the criticism, the organisers of the Ramlila have confirmed that Pandey will not be replaced and will continue to perform in the play.

The Lav Kush Ramlila Committee has a long history of casting film actors from Mumbai in key roles, and Pandey, who has acted in Hindi and Punjabi films, approached the committee herself for the part. She will share the stage with Arya Babbar, reprising his role as Ravana, and is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on September 26, 2025, ahead of rehearsals for the performances on September 29 and 30.

Arjun Kumar, president of the Lav Kush Ramlila Committee, said their event has regularly featured film actors from Mumbai for over twenty years. Explaining how Pandey joined the cast, he told The Federal, “It was Poonam who contacted us and requested that she be included in the Ramlila. We agreed since she has acted in Hindi and Punjabi films.”

Defending the decision, he added, “An artist is an artist, we will not replace her.” On criticism from political and religious groups, Kumar responded, “Everyone has a right to their opinion.”